FG Engages Springfield Agro to Boost Farmers’ Access to Finance

News in brief:

-FG in talks with Springfield Agro to provide long-term financing for farm mechanisation nationwide.

-The initiative aims to improve access to tractors, boost productivity and strengthen agro-processing value chains.

The Federal Government has initiated discussions with Springfield Agro Limited to develop structured, long-term financing solutions to accelerate agricultural mechanisation across the country’s 774 local government areas.

The move is designed to improve farmers’ access to tractors and modern equipment while reducing the burden of upfront costs. This plan was disclosed during the commissioning of the Afcott Grains sesame and grains processing facility in Kawakin Tofa, Kano State.

Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the administration is focused on building an integrated agricultural system that links production, processing and financing.

Push for Integrated Agricultural Value Chains

Kyari noted that the establishment of the processing plant would strengthen domestic value chains, enhance export potential, increase farmers’ incomes and generate employment opportunities.

He added that the Presidency is engaging with Springfield Agro following the submission of a proposal to support mechanisation programmes at the federal and state levels.

According to him, aligning policy with credible financing and industrial initiatives is critical to achieving sustainable agricultural growth.

“Production must be matched with processing. Mechanisation must be matched with financing. Policy must be matched with private-sector confidence and long-term investment,” he said.

Kano Positioned as Agro-Industrial Hub

The Federal Government highlighted Kano’s strategic importance as a major commercial and agricultural centre, noting that continued investments in the state reinforce its role in Nigeria’s agro-industrial transformation.

The Afcott facility, backed by the Chanrai Group, is expected to process 40,000 tonnes of sesame seeds and 25,000 tonnes of other grains annually, while creating more than 500 direct and indirect jobs.

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf said the investment reflects rising investor confidence, supported by the state’s focus on mechanisation, irrigation and extension services.

He added that Kano remains a key destination for agribusiness investment in West Africa. The proposed financing framework is expected to play a critical role in scaling mechanised farming, improving productivity and advancing Nigeria’s broader food security agenda.